This two-page case study describes Rijeka City Library’s pilot 3D printing programme for children and youth, which transformed the library into Rijeka’s premier ‘maker space’, stimulating creativity and giving children and young people the confidence to use digital tools to bring their ideas to life. The project was funded by the EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP).

The library’s 3D printing demonstrations reached thousands of people across the city, convincing three more organizations to install 3D printers and start making and printing objects. In regular 3D workshops, children designed and printed toys, tools, plates and bowls, souvenirs, statues, 3D board games, Christmas decorations, and much more.

The project made national headlines when librarians teamed up with medical doctors and engineers to 3D print the prototype of an artificial limb for a patient with severe leg injuries.